Tony Anderson (rugby league) explained

Tony Anderson
Birth Date:23 July 1961
Birth Place:Australia
Club1:Halifax
Year1start:1984
Year1end:90
Club2:Oldham
Year2start:1990
Year2end:91
Appearances2:20
Tries2:3
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:12
Club3:Bradford Northern
Year3start:1991
Year3end:93
Coachteam1:Halifax
Coachyear1start:2002
Coachyear1end:04
Source:[1] [2]
Retired:yes

Tony Anderson (born 23 July 1961) is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played as a centre for English clubs Halifax, Oldham (Heritage No 956) and Bradford Northern. He was also Halifax's head coach between 2002 and 2004.

Playing career

Born in Australia, Anderson began his rugby league career in his home country before moving to England in 1984, signing for Halifax. He was part of the Halifax team which won the 1985–86 League championship. Anderson also helped Halifax reach the 1988 Challenge Cup final, scoring the only try in a 4–3 win against Hull in their semi-final replay at Elland Road, Leeds.[3] He also scored in the final itself at Wembley, but Halifax lost the match 12–32 against Wigan.

Anderson was transferred to Oldham in March 1990 for a fee of £70,000.[4] He finished his playing career at Bradford Northern.

Coaching career

In 1993, Anderson ended his playing career and moved into coaching. His first appointment was on the coaching staff at Huddersfield, working as the club's Alliance team coach.[5] After spending time on the coaching staff at Halifax, Anderson accepted a position as assistant coach to Shaun McRae at newly formed club Gateshead Thunder in 1998.[6] Anderson was also McRae's assistant at Hull for several seasons.[7]

Anderson returned to Halifax as head coach in August 2002.[8] He helped the club remain in the Super League during the 2002 season,[9] but could not prevent relegation the following year, with Halifax only winning one game during the entire season. He was sacked in April 2004.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tony Anderson - Playing Career . Rugby League Project . 3 May 2023.
  2. Web site: Tony Anderson - Coaching Career . Rugby League Project . 3 May 2023.
  3. Web site: 30 Years Ago: 1988 Challenge Cup Final . Rugby Football League . 3 May 2023 . 15 August 2018.
  4. News: Sport in brief . The Guardian . 15 March 1990 . London . 17 . .
  5. News: Laybourn . Ian . Fartown appoint Anderson . Huddersfield Daily Examiner . 19 May 1993 . 20 . . subscription.
  6. News: Collins agrees to Gateshead switch . Gateshead Post . 15 October 1998 . 35 . . subscription.
  7. Web site: Hadfield . Dave . McRae promoted after Hull reshuffle . The Independent . 3 May 2023 . 17 January 2002.
  8. Web site: Halifax hire Anderson . The Guardian . 3 May 2023 . 26 August 2002.
  9. Web site: Wilson . Andy . Halifax clinch their spot . The Guardian . 3 May 2023 . 9 September 2002.
  10. Web site: Halifax sack Anderson . BBC Sport . 3 May 2023 . 20 April 2004.